Kharge to become Leader of Opposition in Assembly for 2nd time

Bangalore, May 28 (UNI) The 66-year-old Mallikarjun Kharge who made it to the Karnataka Assembly for a record ninth time in a row, will in all probability be the new Opposition Leader in the newly constituted Karnataka assembly.

Mr Kharge was elected as the leader of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) in Karnataka.

An Advocate by profession, Mr Kharge after winning the 1972 election from Gurmitkal has not looked back. He had served as minister under various Chief Ministers including late Devaraj Urs, late Gundu Rao, Veerappa Moily, S Bangarappa, Late Veerendra Patil, S M Krishna and N Dharam Singh.

Even his changing the constituency due to delimitation did not deter his popularity as he was elected this time from Chithapur.

Mr Kharge who had also served as Deputy Leader in the Karnataka Assembly during 1986 to 1989 when Ramakrishna Hegde was the chief Minister, was Opposition Leader during 1996-1999 when laste J H Patel was the Chief Minister.

He had handled various ministries including Home, Revenue, Industries, Rural Development, Education, Irrigation and was also served as the house leader in the Karnataka Legislative Council for over 20 months when N Dharam Singh was the Chief Minister.

Speaking to UNI Mr Kharge expressed gratitude to the party legislators and party high command for reposing faith on him and electing as the new Congress Legislature Paty (CLP) leader.

"Congress party will function as a constructive opposition in the Assembly" he said.

UNI MV MSP TS1910